• Prep: 15 min. Bake: 15 min./batch
• Yield: 21 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 6 tablespoons shortening
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 teaspoons grated orange peel
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

• In a small bowl, soak cherries in hot water for at least 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, cream the shortening, butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, orange peel and vanilla. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips and cherries with liquid.
• Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 1 minute before removing from pans to wire racks. Yield: about 3-1/2 dozen.

Nutritional Facts

2 cookies equals 286 calories, 11 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 29 mg cholesterol, 148 mg sodium, 45 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g